It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" presents an exceptional video quality that meticulously balances the general release and extended versions, both encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080/24p. Utilizing a 4K resolution transfer from the original 65mm camera negative and interpositive, the general release maintains an aspect ratio of 2.76:1, providing an impressive depth and sharpness. The image boasts remarkable detail and clarity, especially in daylight scenes. Colors are richly saturated and vibrant, with blue desert skies and wardrobe elements like Mickey Rooney's red sweater standing out. Black levels are excellently managed, evident in scenes such as the opening post-intermission shot. The thorough restoration has successfully eliminated dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker, delivering a near-pristine visual experience.

The extended version includes approximately 197 minutes of footage, featuring additional scenes recovered from 70mm release prints. Given the age and condition of the source material, this added footage exhibits variable quality. While transitions between the restored general release footage and extra material are seamless, the latter suffers from contrast fluctuations, color instability, and image instability. Advanced restoration techniques such as 3D warping were employed by FotoKem to blend these materials as best as possible. Notably, some sequences combine still photographs with audio where only the soundtrack survived. Unfortunately, despite significant efforts to color match the new HD scans with older standard-definition sources via digital color warping, these segments present subdued colors and diminished black levels.

In conclusion, while the general release’s visual fidelity is outstanding, the extended version showcases a commendable effort in balancing historical completeness with visual integrity. Criterion's restoration work brings this classic closer to its original glory and provides a richer viewing experience for film enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" offers remarkable sound fidelity, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The remastering process at Chase Audio at Deluxe from the original 35mm 6-track magnetic tracks has resulted in a well-balanced and articulate audio presentation. The general release version impresses with its depth and clarity, making it effortless for viewers to appreciate the complex sound design, including various impressive sound effects and Ernest Gold's dynamic musical score. The dialog is consistently clear and well-placed across the front soundstage, enabling perfect panning and matching of voices to on-screen characters.

Despite the film's age, the soundtrack maintains a notable richness and balance in its execution. The score benefits greatly from the surround setup, with considerable LFE output enhancing the overall experience. While some sound effects may show their age, this does not detract significantly from the listening experience. The extended version inherits the same high-quality 5.1 DTS-HD track but experiences some audio dropouts and quality fluctuations in the additional footage. Subtitles are available for the general release but only appear in the extended version during sections where original audio is missing. Overall, these audio tracks provide a thoroughly engaging and well-executed sonic experience for a classic film.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" is an extensive treasure trove for film enthusiasts, boasting a wealth of meticulously restored and new content. The extras provide an immersive experience that covers the film's promotional history, behind-the-scenes insights, technical marvels, and memorable moments from various periods. Highlights include original promotional spots created by Stan Freberg, rare interviews and press junket footage from the 1960s, a 1974 television talk show hosted by Stanley Kramer, and the comprehensive audio commentary recorded in 2013. Additionally, the detailed restoration demonstrations illustrate the intricate process involved in reviving this classic comedy for modern audiences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Promotional Spots: A collection of radio and TV ads for both the 1963 and 1970 releases.
• Telescope: Two-part CBC series on the film’s press junket and premiere.
• Press Interview, 1963: Interview with Stanley Kramer and cast members.
• Stanley Kramer’s Reunion: 1974 talk show with the film's stars.
• About the Extended Version: Text about the reconstruction.
• Commentary: Informative audio commentary by film aficionados.
• AFI’s 100 Years... 100 Laughs: Special program on the film's impact.
• The Last 70mm Film Festival: 2012 screening with cast reunion.
• Sound and Vision: Discussion on visual and sound effects.
• Restoration Demonstration: Featurette on the restoration process.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by Lou Lumenick.

Stanley Kramer’s "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" is an ambitious comedy epic with a star-studded ensemble cast that boldly breaks conventional norms. The film, shot in Ultra Panavision 70, boasts an incredibly wide 2.76:1 aspect ratio, unforgettable for its vivid clarity and depth. It weaves a tale of chaos and greed as a group of characters, including Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters, Mickey Rooney, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, and Ethel Merman, embark on a madcap race to find $350,000 buried under a giant "W" in Santa Rosita State Park. Spencer Tracy’s portrayal of the weary police captain adds gravitas and serves as the monitoring eye over the riotous proceedings. The film's blend of episodic action sequences and rapid-fire dialogue stands out, with some scenes focusing on slapstick humor reminiscent of Benny Hill, while others highlight sharp exchanges.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the movie is Kramer's direction. Seamlessly transitioning from one chaotic episode to another, Kramer maintains a rhythmic flow that ensures sustained engagement. This fluidity is preserved even in Criterion’s extended cut, which adds about 34 minutes of footage acquired from 70mm print trims, making it the most comprehensive version available. Visually and audibly, the film impresses; action sequences are both spectacular and over-the-top, with the aeronautical scenes particularly jaw-dropping. Sound effects masterfully crafted by Walter Elliot further elevate the film’s dynamic intensity. This Criterion Blu-ray release includes both the original 164-minute general release and the newly extended 198-minute version.

The strength of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" also lies in its all-star cast whose performances integrate seamlessly despite the potential for discord among a cast of comedic heavyweights. The film’s multifaceted comedic approach—ranging from physical stunts to witty banter—keeps it engaging. Notably, it mirrors the grand scale and genre mashups characteristic of modern blockbusters but stands unique in its practical effects and live-action execution. This Blu-ray edition not only offers a visually pristine restoration but also enhances the viewing experience with thoughtful scholarly commentary and supplementary materials, reinforcing the film's status as a timeless spectacle in cinematic history.

Criterion's new Blu-ray release of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" represents a substantial triumph in home video restoration. The film, directed by Stanley Kramer, boasts a meticulously reconstructed version that preserves a remarkable rhythm despite the variable quality of surviving footage. The inclusion of an alternate extended version, mastered in HD and featuring previously unseen footage and audio since 1963, offers fans a comprehensive experience. This release stands as the definitive presentation of this classic comedy, ensuring it remains a significant piece of cinema history.

This Blu-ray package is among the finest releases in recent memory. Criterion’s attention to detail in the 4K restoration of the General Release highlights state-of-the-art production techniques and stunts that continue to inspire awe. The plethora of special features complements the main presentation; an exhaustive 3-hour, 17-minute audio commentary stands out as particularly insightful. Additionally, considering the film’s historical context as a post-Kennedy assassination release that provided much-needed levity, this restoration not only preserves but enhances its impact.

In conclusion, fans of director Stanley Kramer's legendary "It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" should be very pleased with Criterion's new reconstruction of the film. Despite the quality of the surviving footage, it maintains an excellent rhythm. Naturally, unless there is a major discovery in the future and more rare footage resurfaces, I think it is fair to say that the extended version of the film will remain its definitive presentation on the home video market. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.